Beach!

"I wanted to be left on my own!" wailed Jemima, as Kevin and I retraced our steps along the beach. We'd realised that she wasn't going to follow us as we pretended to walk off, and was instead perfectly happy to see us go. She was enjoying herself too much to leave.

It had been Jemima's idea to go for a picnic after school. Kevin and I had had a restful day: our morning run was followed by a quiet afternoon in the flat, with me reading coaching books on the balcony - the sun had returned with enthusiasm that morning. Then our usual Chameli's visit (handshakes from the head waiter today! We've probably been about ten times in three weeks so I think we now count as regulars...), before collecting Jemima. After she suggested the beach outing, we packed a picnic, got the towels, and walked down there to enjoy the last of the sunshine. 

Jemima loved it: paddling in the (completely freezing) sea, singing to herself; playing in the sand; and relishing the whole experience. So much so, that we couldn't drag her away, not even with the lure of some post-picnic chocolate ice cream. Hence the bluff that she could stay on her own and we'd leave her to it. Unfortunately, as stated, she actually rather liked that idea.

When we finally persuaded her to leave, we did go for the promised chocolate ice cream: to Flanigan's in the marina, so Kevin and I could share some more of their ambrosial jamón. Not bad way to end the day really. Good thinking Jemima.

Studying on the balcony

Chameli's

The beach!